While 2020 was a brilliant year for many ASX buy now, pay later (BNPL) shares, 2021 wasn't so dazzling.
In fact, only 2 stocks with market capitalisations of over $30 million recorded share price gains for the last 12 months.
Let's take a look at the winning BNPL stocks of the last 12 months.
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The best performing ASX BNPL shares of 2021
Fatfish Group Ltd (ASX: FFG) – up 36%
The Fatfish share price bested that of its BNPL peers over the course of 2021.
Having started the year trading at 3.8 cents, it finished at 4.9 cents.
The major news that boosted the company's stock was, interestingly, not released by it.
According to the company, its share price soared 440% over 2 sessions, likely due to a sale made by its investee iCandy Interactive Ltd (ASX: ICI).
Additionally, Fatfish acquired Forever Pay, a stake in Pay Direct Technology, BNPL Next, and has launched its BNPL offering, PaySlowSlow in 2021.
Novatti Group Ltd (ASX: NOV) – up 15%
The first half of 2021 saw the Novatti share price performing strongly. However, the second half saw it drop most of its gains to finish just 15% higher than it started.
The major news to move the company's stock was its agreement with fellow ASX BNPL company, Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT).
Afterpay selected Novatti to provide its services in New Zealand, sending the latter's shares 32% higher.
Having started the year trading at 25.5 cents, Novatti's stock finished 2021 swapping hands at 30 cents.
Ioupay Ltd (ASX: IOU) – down 21%
The Ioupay share price's major move of 2021 was an unexplained one.
In February it was handed a 'please explain' from the ASX after its stock gained 32% in a day. The company responded by saying it was as perplexed as anyone else.
Since then, its share price has once more slumped.
After starting 2021 trading at 19.5 cents, it's finished trading at 15.5 cents.
Humm Group Ltd (ASX: HUM) – down 20%
The Humm share price outperformed many of its peers despite recording a 20% tumble.
It began the year trading at $1.13 and finished it at 90 cents.
The most recent news to rumble the company's stock was a mention of a potential takeover.
Zip Co Ltd (ASX: Z1P) – down 18%
Finally, ASX BNPL favourite Zip made it onto the podium – just.
The company's shares started 2021 swapping hands for $5.59 and have since tumbled to finish 2021 trading at $4.33.
Over the course of the year, Zip rebranded its previous purchase, QuadPay in the United States.
It has also acquired – or is working to acquire – inroads in Europe, South Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
